I’m DANNY DE HEK — a cult survivor, public speaker, and investigative journalist exposing global scams, Ponzi schemes, and MLM frauds through my YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

My work combines lived experience with fearless journalism, giving audiences an unfiltered look at the psychology of deception and the courage it takes to fight back.

Raised inside a high-control religious cult, shaped by personal tragedy, and battle-tested in the fight against financial predators, I’ve turned survival into purpose — helping others recognise manipulation, think critically, and stand against exploitation.

Why I speak

There’s a powerful connection between cults and Ponzi schemes.
Both thrive on manipulation, fear, and false promises. Both strip people of their money, identity, and community.
Having lived through one and dismantled the other, I speak to help audiences see through control, reclaim their confidence, and protect others from harm.

Through storytelling, humour, and real investigative evidence, I show how easily trust can be weaponised — and how awareness can disarm it.

My journey

Cult survivor

Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, I was disfellowshipped twice by the age of 23. The shunning policies left me isolated and questioning everything. That experience built the foundation of who I am today — someone unafraid to challenge authority and expose hypocrisy.

Family tragedy

Both my stepfather and sister died by suicide at age 36, on the same date years apart. Their deaths were deeply tied to religious pressure and unachievable perfectionism. Speaking openly about their loss is my way of honouring them — and helping others understand the cost of silence and control.

Scam fighter

Today, I expose scams that exploit trust and community — the same emotional hooks cults use. I name and shame individuals and companies running large-scale Ponzi and crypto schemes, often confronting them directly on YouTube and across my PODCAST network.

My investigations have helped victims reclaim their voices, sparked regulatory action, and forced scammers out of hiding.

Topics I cover

1. Exposing financial scams

  • Behind-the-scenes stories from my investigations — how I infiltrate online Ponzi schemes and expose their organisers.
  • The psychology of fraud: why intelligent people still fall for scams.
  • How law enforcement and whistleblowers can work together to stop financial abuse.
  • Real cases from my investigations into:Karatbars International, OneCoin, GSPartners, GOLIATH VENTURES INC, Daisy, Auratus Gold, Blockchain Global, ACX, HyperOne, HyperTech, HyperCapital, HyperFund, HyperVerse, HyperNation, HyperCosmo, HyperPlanet, DAOVersal, StableOpinion, StableDAO, ViDiLOOK, V.E.N.D. (ViDiLook Effort Never Dies), We Are All Satoshi, Affiliate Marketing 2.0, BitcoinCodeBTCC, Boomerang, Capital 3.0, D0D0.app, Alyx Union, Aelf Union, NovaTechFX, CashFX, Affiliate Advertising Club, LYOPAY, WEWE Global, Zeniq, Safir, The Success Factory, Organo Gold, One Life, Avalon, The Blockchain Era (TBE), XERAPRO, Homnifi, XPRO, CoinMarketBull (CMB), Maxpread Technologies, TayGeta, Vortic United, CloudFi, SureX, BitHarvest, Ultima, YieldNodes, Apollo Fintech, LunaOne, Gold Inc, Fourth Star, Velocity Achieves Victory (AVA), Trage Technologies, Team Validus, SuperOne, 7K Metals, Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS), BitConnect, Hex, RideBnB, Robex AI, Trade11, Local City Places, OakSmart, SmartSteps, GetFit (Movevest), SmartLAB, MevBridge, AMA Global Systems, Cryptex, BitFoot, and many more.

2. Life after leaving a cult

  • The emotional cost of leaving a high-control religion.
  • How cults manipulate, isolate, and destroy critical thinking.
  • Parallels between religious indoctrination and financial exploitation.
  • Rebuilding identity and community after losing everything.

3. Understanding dyslexia

  • How dyslexia became my greatest strength — fuelling creativity and problem-solving.
  • Tools and strategies I use to thrive in a digital world.
  • Why neurodiversity is an advantage in investigative work.

4. Personal empowerment and advocacy

  • How to turn adversity into action.
  • Standing your ground against lies, intimidation, and censorship.
  • Using truth and humour as tools for survival.

Accolades and recognition

  • The New York Times (by David Segal, print edition) — two-page feature on dismantling international Ponzi schemes.
  • Bloomberg (by Alice Kantor, documentary contributor) — featured in a global exposé on crypto fraud.
  • The Guardian Australia (by Sarah Martin) — quoted for investigative work on the HyperVerse network.
  • ABC News Australia and The Press (NZ) — coverage highlighting my anti-scam advocacy.
  • Law enforcement collaboration — contributed OSINT evidence leading to multimillion-dollar scam disruptions.

Why BOOK ME

I bring truth, courage, and humour to every stage.
Whether discussing cult control, financial crime, or personal resilience, I connect with audiences who crave honesty, vulnerability, and action.

My goal is to leave people informed, empowered, and inspired to challenge manipulation wherever it hides.

Booking information

I’m available for SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS across New Zealand and internationally, including:

  • Crypto and blockchain events
  • Banking and financial sector conferences
  • Survivor and advocacy seminars
  • Educational and community talks

To discuss availability or fees, CONTACT me at DANNY@DEHEK.COM or +64 21 961 652.

“Let’s collaborate to educate, inspire, and protect your audience from financial crime.”